Hearing Loss Treatment in Wilmington & Southport, NC
Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions in the United States — affecting approximately 48 million Americans, or nearly 1 in 5 people. Despite how widespread it is, most people wait an average of seven years from the first signs before seeking help. That delay has real consequences for communication, relationships, cognitive health, and quality of life.
At Excel Audiology in Wilmington & Southport, NC, Dr. Jason Rickman, Au.D. provides comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized care to help patients of all ages understand their hearing and take the right steps toward better hearing health.
Types of Hearing Loss
Not all hearing loss is the same. The three primary types are defined by where in the auditory system the problem originates.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear. It is often caused by earwax buildup, ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, or structural abnormalities. In many cases, conductive hearing loss is temporary and treatable.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The most common type of permanent hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve are damaged — typically by aging, noise exposure, genetics, or certain medications. While not reversible, sensorineural hearing loss is highly manageable with modern hearing aids and other technology.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural components. Treatment addresses both the medical cause of the conductive portion and the audiological management of the sensorineural component.
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is also classified by degree:
| Degree | Threshold Range (dB HL) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 0–25 dB |
| Mild | 26–40 dB |
| Moderate | 41–55 dB |
| Moderately Severe | 56–70 dB |
| Severe | 71–90 dB |
| Profound | 91+ dB |
Even mild hearing loss affects communication and cognitive function over time. We take every degree of hearing loss seriously.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
- Aging (presbycusis) — Gradual deterioration of inner ear hair cells over time
- Noise exposure — One of the most preventable causes; accumulates over a lifetime
- Ear infections — Chronic infections can cause conductive or permanent hearing loss
- Ototoxic medications — Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and others
- Genetics — Family history increases risk
- Head or ear trauma
- Viral infections — Meningitis, mumps, measles
- Autoimmune conditions
- Ménière’s disease
Signs of Hearing Loss
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in background noise
- Turning the TV or radio up higher than others prefer
- Missing parts of phone conversations
- Feeling like people are mumbling
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Avoiding social situations due to difficulty hearing
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Research consistently links untreated hearing loss with:
- Cognitive decline and increased dementia risk
- Depression and anxiety
- Social isolation
- Reduced professional performance
- Strained personal relationships
Treatment with hearing aids significantly reduces these risks and improves quality of life.
Hearing Loss Care at Excel Audiology
The first step is always a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Dr. Rickman will walk you through your results in plain language, explain your options, and guide you through a personalized treatment plan — whether that’s medical referral, hearing aids, hearing protection, or continued monitoring.
- Wilmington: (910) 399-3075
- Southport: (910) 387-9015